77% of Americans Think Morality Is on the Decline – and One in Three Think the Bible Is the Answer

March 26, 2013


More Than Half Believe the Bible Has Too Little Influence in Society, Yet Many Seldom Read It

American Bible Society Releases In-depth Findings in Its Annual State of the Bible Report

NEW YORK, March 26, 2013—A new report released today finds Americans overwhelming (77%) believe morals and values are declining in the U.S. The most-cited cause for the decline? A lack of Bible reading.

The findings are reported in American Bible Society’s annual State of the Bible survey released today. The report details Americans’ beliefs about the Bible, its role in society, its presence in U.S. homes and more. As in previous years, the survey found that the Bible remains a highly valued, influential force in America.

But beliefs about the Bible and its role in society are becoming increasingly polarized – particularly when the data is examined by age group.

The research also uncovered a significant disconnect in belief versus behavior. While 66% of those surveyed agreed that the Bible contains everything a person needs to know to live a meaningful life, 58% say they do not personally want wisdom and advice from the Bible, and about the same amount (57%) read it fewer than five times per year.

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